HK USP .40 vs SIG P229 DAK .40

[RANDO]

OKAY....... so other than the barrel length, action, and the safety operation does anyone know how they compare. i am very familiar with the SIG but really want to buy an Hk and was wondering if the experts of Calguns could help me out. - THANKS

[Sobriquet]

Welp, I assume you're looking at new guns? I'd have to consider the recent quality control problems SIG is having. Regarding the HK, here's everything you could want to know:

http://www.hkpro.com/usp.htm

With the HK, it'd be a relatively simple thing to convert to the LEM (law enforcement modification) trigger should you want something similar to the DAK on the SIG. You could have the HK locked and cocked, so I'm not sure why you'd want to do that, though. I'm not a huge fan of the LEM trigger - I much prefer the Match trigger on my HK.

Obviously this is kind of comparing apples to oranges. The SIG 229 is a compact gun that would compare more closely to the HK USP Compact. If you're looking for something less than full size, the P2000 in .40 S&W is an option you ought to consider. An added benefit of going with the P2000 is the ability to change the backstraps to fit your hand. If you care about mounting a light, you can do that on the USP, not the P2000.

Finally, two random considerations. 10 round mags for the USP in .40 S&W are dirt cheap at $10 for new factory mags. Also, if you know you want a Crimson Trace laser grip, you need to go with the SIG. It's not available on the HKs, but you can get a rail mounted one on a USP.

[FlyingPen]

A P2000 is a much nicer pistol than the USP Compact IMO.

[leelaw]

I'm not a particular fan of the DAK/DAO triggers. That said, I think the feel of the Sig DAK triggers is very nice. They seemed to smooth it out and the break was very crisp (at least on the half dozen ones I've handled).

The HK USP series, however..... I don't like the triggers. Period. They're plastic and spongy, and I don't care for them. I want a solid feeling trigger pull when I am shooting a gun, not some plastic thing that bends under the pressure of the pull.

[Alvin Tostig]

Welp, I assume you're looking at new guns? I'd have to consider the recent quality control problems SIG is having. Regarding the HK, here's everything you could want to know:

http://www.hkpro.com/usp.htm

With the HK, it'd be a relatively simple thing to convert to the LEM (law enforcement modification) trigger should you want something similar to the DAK on the SIG. You could have the HK locked and cocked, so I'm not sure why you'd want to do that, though. I'm not a huge fan of the LEM trigger - I much prefer the Match trigger on my HK.

Obviously this is kind of comparing apples to oranges. The SIG 229 is a compact gun that would compare more closely to the HK USP Compact. If you're looking for something less than full size, the P2000 in .40 S&W is an option you ought to consider. An added benefit of going with the P2000 is the ability to change the backstraps to fit your hand. If you care about mounting a light, you can do that on the USP, not the P2000.

Finally, two random considerations. 10 round mags for the USP in .40 S&W are dirt cheap at $10 for new factory mags. Also, if you know you want a Crimson Trace laser grip, you need to go with the SIG. It's not available on the HKs, but you can get a rail mounted one on a USP.

What are SIG's QC problems? I purchased a new one recently and want to know if there's something I should be aware of.

[Miltiades]

Both are good

I have the Sig P229 in .40 with DA/SA trigger, and the H&K USP 40 compact, also with DA/SA trigger. I like both guns very much, and find them both reliable and equally accurate in my hands. The Sig is a somewhat wider and heavier gun, weighing about 32 ounces empty. The USP 40c weighs about 24 ounces empty. I would say that the USP recoils slightly more due to its lighter weight compared to the Sig.

For carry purposes the USP compact is probably better because of smaller size and weight. For range or other use the Sig is excellent. Here is the USP 40c: